Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

After years of putting up with imposing health checks and queuing up at various official departments to obtain residency on an annual basis, it has been lovely over the past few years to be able to live in peace without having to worry about it. Then up steps the ******* BRS who decides it speaks for all of us and it appears this wonderful situation is under threat. Neither my wife nor I have ever been a member of this outdated organisation nor would we ever wish to be, yet we will be affected by its interference in government policy. I say this having read the article in today's Cyprus Today stating that the BRS wants to secure further 'rights' for its members. What rights? We already enjoy healthcare at the same rates as the locals at the state hospitals, although I assume that those who are speaking for us would probably go private rather than mix with the hoypaloy for 15TL a time.

I don't understand why there still is a BRS, they should amalgate with the foreign residents to form one society to represent all foreign residents. That would make sense. I am unbelievably livid at the moment.

The Goverment says it needs to know who is a resident and who is not so why is the visa a visitors one not a residency stamp. They also said they need to know for planning reasons. they cannot plan a booze up in a brewery.

Regrettably not the first time the BRS have intervened in something and its backfired.
If they really need to know who is here and who is not then the ins and outs should inform them of that.
As for planning reasons; that's one big joke.

I'm guessing the nod and a wink for the over 60s wasn't bringing in enough revenue

Frontalman
I agree with a lot of what you say Mark.

If a new system simply consists of registering online with no fee then that is probably OK.

But I fear it is being considered as another way to collect revenue - viewing the expat residents as easy targets.
Certainly for my wife and me it would cost us a total of 1794TL for a two year period.

And what about the health check, probably a meaningless necessity for the over 60's. Surely it is against our basic human rights to be forced to provide such health information as a condition for living here.
And why the continous need for a Muhtar's letter, copies of bank statements and another application form - to say nothing of all the time, trouble and hassle of going from pillar to post to get everything needed.

Having met and discussed why it is I can not gain permanent residency in this country - the issues there being a lack of house purchase of 125,000 euros and of course the fact that as I am over 70 I can not get the required medical insurance (never mind how long I wait for the Government to put into print its proposals about medical insurance it has been discussing for the past 3 years), I find him to be a very honest and approachable guy - albeit very, very busy.

The "Handshake" agreement was never going to fly once the Government started to get its act together and my wife and I have continued to do our annual (now bi-annual) Visa trips for the past 11 years regardless. I find it a little strange that I am now referred to as a "Resident" but I guess I have to be called something other than a "Visitor" now that a new process is being devised. Maybe the cost will rise - nothing ever drops anywhere - but the current fee of around 1.25TL per day for me to stay here I find most reasonable and because I am a retired "Visitor" the one day every two years to complete the process is not impacting on my lifestyle to any great extent, we will see what happens next I suppose.

I too am somewhat irritated with the BRS for their constant interference in my life under the banner of making things better - I did not come here to have people make things better for me, I came here to make my own way! Currently, like any other "Visitor" I am allowed to make use of the State Hospital facilities - what can change there? I will never be able to get medical insurance so have to ensure I have enough funding behind me to cover costs should the worst happen - I only hope that the BRS does not interfere in that process and put an amount that every Resident should have in the bank into the minds of the Government, like the house price?

I do note that on the Governments new websites there is the "On-Line" student registration process and very simple it seems, it would be a good move to make it the same for us long term visitors. So what else? Where can the Government get the information it needs?

Electricity bills, water bills, mobile phone bills, car tax, MOT's - in fact anything that attracts VAT that is paid to the Government already and must therefore already be tracked to source! I wonder if the Government have also thought about the unknown number of "Swallows" and how they will count them?

Whatever happens, things will never stay the same and if you are like me and have comments to make then can I suggest that you write to the Foreign and Interior ministries - just don't expect a rapid answer, they are busy.

Fully agree with Frontalman & Waddo

Who are you really peeved off about. The Government or BRS. The over 60's was always a concession and needed to be addressed.i have watched with some amusement previous discussions on this forum regarding questions about this very matter and the pro and cons of applying for residency. Nobody appeared to know and assumed it would not effect them. Whilst I am a member of BRS I am not privy to their policy decisions. They seem however to,have realised that at some stage this CONCESSION would need to be addressed or set in stone. I have continued to apply for residency every two years and have no problem with it. Now we know were we all stand. So bite the bullet and get on with it.

Frontalman, I could not agree more vehemently. It's time to withdraw from this island now, when we have a parcel delivery organisation (BRS) who can drop a clanger like this one and wreck the comfortable existence you speak of. We'd be better off in "North Korea". These "friends" who speak for themselves and a minority who come from the WI do not speak for me. We hope to depart soon and I hope those with these "Empire building" aspirations get the misguided financial penalty and member backlash, for licking that part of the human anatomy which is a forbidden destination.

At 82 and 76 respectively, my husband and I only suffer from replacement knees, cataracts, and sundry other illnesses. Are we to be punished for having them i.e. forced to go through yet another expensive medical. We feel punished enough by the amount of cash we have placed in the coffers of Doctors and Surgeons. Some very good and others that would be struck off in a normal country.

Personally I still remember the debacle at the dome years ago when David brown and his well organised posse caused so much trouble . Too many tin pot little hitlers that gave done nothing all their lives full of their own importance. All the people that joined for the discounts you could get it anyway if you asked. The brs belongs in the raj era. There was always a place for blimps and jobsworths.

paul90 wrote:Frontalman
I agree with a lot of what you say Mark.

If a new system simply consists of registering online with no fee then that is probably OK.

But I fear it is being considered as another way to collect revenue - viewing the expat residents as easy targets.
Certainly for my wife and me it would cost us a total of 1794TL for a two year period.

And what about the health check, probably a meaningless necessity for the over 60's. Surely it is against our basic human rights to be forced to provide such health information as a condition for living here.
And why the continous need for a Muhtar's letter, copies of bank statements and another application form - to say nothing of all the time, trouble and hassle of going from pillar to post to get everything needed.

Why is it only a meaningless necessity if you are over 60? Having already got 12 stamps under my belt by the time I am 60 I will have got 20. Is that fare?

Could someone post up a link to the article....

As someone who's just hit 60 and is drawn to living in the TRNC because of the "no visa for the over 60's" - How will this affect me ?

(no smarmy comments from the likes of Hector and Sophie please - i'm here to gleen knowledge about moving to the trnc and need all the help i can get)...
.

Telstar wrote:Frontalman, I could not agree more vehemently. It's time to withdraw from this island now, when we have a parcel delivery organisation (BRS) who can drop a clanger like this one and wreck the comfortable existence you speak of. We'd be better off in "North Korea". These "friends" who speak for themselves and a minority who come from the WI do not speak for me. We hope to depart soon and I hope those with these "Empire building" aspirations get the misguided financial penalty and member backlash, for licking that part of the human anatomy which is a forbidden destination.

What exactly is the problem with the place ?

i'm getting excited about moving over to the trnc permently - any you're throwing in the towel...

Cranfield: if you are coming to the TRNC and are over 60, you will still need to get residency for the first year.

I have just looked at the Cyprus Today web site and cannot find this article. Any chance of a link please?

Sorry I just get the paper version.

Agobard wrote:Cranfield: if you are coming to the TRNC and are over 60, you will still need to get residency for the first year.

I'm not sure if this is true. If you buy a property quite quickly and have money in the bank you will be OK. This is a myth put about by those who are still stumping up money for residency and don't want to feel like twerps. It might also be on the BRS website but in practice is likely not necessary.

Things may change though as per yesterday's article in the newspaper.

My sister has just moved here and went with all the right documents to get her residency only to be told she can't have it with a rental agreement, come back when you've bought a property ,anybody else had this problem,

We have never joined the BRS, we are swallows, but were told we should join the BRS to get medical charges cheaper by 10% ... ... Well, we have been to the big private hospital in Girne and were asked if we were members when we were asking for a quote on treatment. When we said no we were paying with no discount the actual charge was then 10% CHEAPER with out the so called BRS offer! ... If we had taken up this 10% discount etc the charges would have been clawed back with the extras that are needed after an operation etc... So, in fact it possibly isnt cheaper to join BRS for any discount offers... ... Just beware of false information and do your own thing ....

frontalman wrote:Sorry I just get the paper version.

'Tis OK I have managed to view it now although not on line either. Whilst I understand you are upset at the BRS upsetting the Status Quo (never rated them) from how I read it my view is that they were looking for clarification so that we all know what the 'hand shake' agreement actually means and will it change.

Is your view that they should have let sleeping dogs lie? Just for the record I am a member but have no allegiance to them and joined like I did this forum to help me with whatever problems we came across when we decided to live here.

I accept that it would be useful for the powers that be to know just how many of us do actually live here but as someone has already posted swallows skew the figures anyway. I feel fairly certain that the computer records of ins and outs could be used to show just how many 'visitors' were here at any one time plus how many of us are resident by using the other mountain of information they accumulate. We have to show our passports to fart nearly so I am sure some whizkid with computers could show who is still in the Country and how long they have been here. How any of that affects the age restriction is beyond me I'm afraid.

geroff. You are so right re the discounts and hospitals. The last three Ops we have had were less than with the BRS discounts. We were asked "would you like to know the total package price, for Op, Control ,what they call after Op check ups, etc etc" we said yes and then did a quick bit of maths over a coffee and went for their package. However, there are people who get discounts on their eye check ups, contact lenses etc., and in Tayff, (Marshalls) which are worth having. BUT I have managed to negotiate discounts, without any problem, on electrical goods. I've shown my card at hairdressers and such like and was given a discount, which I doubt I would have managed to negotiate otherwise.

Chriswright03 wrote:

frontalman wrote:Sorry I just get the paper version.

'Tis OK I have managed to view it now although not on line either. Whilst I understand you are upset at the BRS upsetting the Status Quo (never rated them) from how I read it my view is that they were looking for clarification so that we all know what the 'hand shake' agreement actually means and will it change.

Is your view that they should have let sleeping dogs lie? Just for the record I am a member but have no allegiance to them and joined like I did this forum to help me with whatever problems we came across when we decided to live here.

I accept that it would be useful for the powers that be to know just how many of us do actually live here but as someone has already posted swallows skew the figures anyway. I feel fairly certain that the computer records of ins and outs could be used to show just how many 'visitors' were here at any one time plus how many of us are resident by using the other mountain of information they accumulate. We have to show our passports to fart nearly so I am sure some whizkid with computers could show who is still in the Country and how long they have been here. How any of that affects the age restriction is beyond me I'm afraid.

What clarification was needed? Sleeping dogs lie, if it ain't broke don't fix it, take your pick. The article also mentioned trying to secure rights, not just a request for clarification. I have calmed down a bit now but I fear the damage may be done. I suppose the BRS will assert that they have to do this kind of thing to support their members but I'm pretty sure that those who wanted clarification were those who were still paying unnecessarily for residency and not those of us who had taken up the "gentleman's handshake". Never look a gift horse in the mouth!

Well Cranfield

What exactly is the problem with the place ?


We've been here 15 years and were BRS members for a short time. If you want exact detail, like the rip offs and the government scams to line individual pockets, like the MOT, or the speeding fines written on a policeman's hand for doing 58 in a 75 limit, or the property deeds that don't get issued to the owners for many years and the extras added to get it finalised in some cases. Well that's just a few, there are many more. You will make up your mind when you get here because you will no doubt. "Throwing in the towel" isn't exactly how I would put it, more removing a virus that sucks money out of brits and doesn't realise a lot of us return because of a scant disregard for foreign nationals who feed a corrupt few in politics with cash. That's all really. BRS Is what it is. Same with the unregulated charities, full of glory hunters and good luck to them.

frontalman wrote:

Chriswright03 wrote:

frontalman wrote:Sorry I just get the paper version.

'Tis OK I have managed to view it now although not on line either. Whilst I understand you are upset at the BRS upsetting the Status Quo (never rated them) from how I read it my view is that they were looking for clarification so that we all know what the 'hand shake' agreement actually means and will it change.

Is your view that they should have let sleeping dogs lie? Just for the record I am a member but have no allegiance to them and joined like I did this forum to help me with whatever problems we came across when we decided to live here.

I accept that it would be useful for the powers that be to know just how many of us do actually live here but as someone has already posted swallows skew the figures anyway. I feel fairly certain that the computer records of ins and outs could be used to show just how many 'visitors' were here at any one time plus how many of us are resident by using the other mountain of information they accumulate. We have to show our passports to fart nearly so I am sure some whizkid with computers could show who is still in the Country and how long they have been here. How any of that affects the age restriction is beyond me I'm afraid.

What clarification was needed? Sleeping dogs lie, if it ain't broke don't fix it, take your pick. The article also mentioned trying to secure rights, not just a request for clarification. I have calmed down a bit now but I fear the damage may be done. I suppose the BRS will assert that they have to do this kind of thing to support their members but I'm pretty sure that those who wanted clarification were those who were still paying unnecessarily for residency and not those of us who had taken up the "gentleman's handshake". Never look a gift horse in the mouth!

I have been here for less than a year so maybe am not as switched on as I could be with it all. I sort of understand your point but then also see the other side as well. Can't please all the people all the time I guess. From my short time here I have already understood there is little clarification of anything on the Island. Rules seem to change daily depending on who is enforcing or interpreting them. I personally don't think clarification would be a bad thing but then maybe on a false assumption that common sense would be involved. I am rapidly recognising that common sense is not common.

I will NOT renew my BRS membership!

Don't worry about it too much people - there will be another Government along soon and everything will change again!

waddo wrote:Don't worry about it too much people - there will be another Government along soon and everything will change again!

Oh no! It’s gone down the Brexit rathole again

What? Oh! Sorry. My bad

Just after we bought or house in the early 2000's, we spent some time in England and on our return to the island, we found everybody in a great panic.

An article in the paper had stirred everybody up - YOU CAN ONLY HAVE HOUSES ON A 99 YEAR LEASE!!!!! It's all true a friend said.....................

Sure..................................

Oh...and by the way, the articles of CYPRUS TODAY only show up online a week after publication.

Oh no! It’s gone down the Brexit rathole again

What? Oh! Sorry. My bad [/quote]

Many a true word spoken in jest (or was it really in jest?). I suspect that someone has realised that if Brexit goes ahead with or without agreement there will no longer be the attraction of mutual medical benefits in all the Costalots around the Med. , and North Cyprus with its alleged cheaper col will become more attractive. The powers that be are probably afraid that their medical systems (even the private sector) will be overwhelmed by Brit expat geriatrics running out of money and the British Goverment will refuse to take them back.

Understandable , but what about people like Sophie and I who have been supporting North Cyprus private health care for years.? Perhaps the hospitals, doctors , dentist and opticians etc. should provide Green Shield stamps redeemable against Residence Permits?

But dont hold your breath if you expect the BRS to support us. It used to be a useful well run organisation, but I left them over 10 years ago when I realised that they , and their priorities,had changed with the changes in the type of expat population. Perhaps all the ancient Brits who are here on a permanent basis should get together and form a new organisation to represent us?

Actually that is a good idea......why not?
What is to say that BRS has not become a self styled opinionated organisation.Things and times change.
Be interesting to discover if a lot of ex-pats may be interested in forming an alternative......comments please.

We joined the Tfr after the dome riot and found it ideal. No prima donnas no one with their own agenda just a nice group of people that like to enjoy life and the island. Many outings and visits both on and off the island . I really do recommend it.

A bit more info about TFR please.

Think the TFR will be this organisation.


https://tfrnorthcyprus.wordpress.com/

The website seems to have closed but there is information from 2017 which gives a flavour of what they do plus links to a Facebook page and other websites. It’s a starting point and I am sure others will post more information.

Mowgli597, I fail to see what my comment about another change in Government has to do with Brexit, perhaps you could explain that for me? If you think I was referring to the UK Government, well I am sorry but I have no interest in the UK nor it's alleged Government, I do not live there.

My comment applied exclusively to the TRNC.

You the best way is all get together & say if this happens all the expats will take there money out of the banks and send it back to UK then they will sit up & listen as there banks will go bust due to the amount of money the expats have in there interest accounts . Why dont we push back with some sort of battle plan instead of being herded about like a load of cattle as we normally do . If it was not for us they would all be living in the dumps they used to

http://www.cyprustodayonline.com/cyprus ... dency/2526

By Kerem Hasan

The unofficial concession was introduced in 2010 as part of government efforts to make it easier for foreign nationals to live in the TRNC so long as they owned or rented property.

British Residents Society (BRS) officials attempted to turn the agreement into a legal one, providing more rights.

However, Immigration head Emre Hacı, who met Pete Wilkins and Mike Diplock of the BRS to discuss the issue, told Cyprus Today: “Our minister has asked us to get all residents, including expats, registered. It is our intention to make this process similar to the automated, online system currently used for students.

For more see Cyprus Today... In shops or on PressReader.

Gates, What a good idea then all the people who want to stay here, including those who work here, may just find it slightly more difficult to gain an annual/bi-annual visa/work permit to allow them to stay. But why should you worry about them?

I haven’t got access to Cyprus Today paper version, I have only read this thread and the link to Cyprus Today.
Am I missing something, am I right in thinking the government want expats to register if they are over sixty, is that it or is there more in the report.
If there is more to this can someone who has read the report summarise it or post a copy.

waddo wrote:Mowgli597, I fail to see what my comment about another change in Government has to do with Brexit, perhaps you could explain that for me? If you think I was referring to the UK Government, well I am sorry but I have no interest in the UK nor it's alleged Government, I do not live there.

My comment applied exclusively to the TRNC.

Sorry. An attempt at humour which went right past you. RR realised it for what it was.

The perils of electronic communication.

And ditto re: the U.K. and it’s government. Thank goodness for Euro pensions and EU driving licences!

Sigh

Mowgli597,

I am having a really "Thick" day - not unusual some would say - so sorry, still can't get the joke but hey ho! Apologies to you for my post if it annoyed you please forgive. Even having read again and RR's post as well it just won't click with me.

To my mind the whole "new" process being put in place by the TRNC Government is a better late than never system, that at least is being given some thought before it is brought about. In the end we are all foreign immigrants in this country and should be treated as such and abide by the rules and laws of the TRNC - or leave. I remain irritated by the BRS, who at best represent a minority of people, when they attempt to change the workings of a country in which they are guests - that's my stance anyway.

I disagree with Waddo. The current situation where if you are 60 and over, that you don't need to register for residency has worked perfectly well for many years. There hasn't been, to my knowledge, any issues or problems with that system. I haven't heard of any injustices as a result. I haven't heard anyone clambering to change it. So why change it? What has the government got to gain other than yet more revenue squeezed out of law-abiding ex-pat pensioners who so often can't afford yet another expense and faff to comply with?

Mowgli and Waddo: Perhaps it should have been "the rabbit hole" as living in Cyprus has similarities with Alice's experiences in Wonderland. Or perhaps both Brexit and the residence discussion are trying to outrun "The Mousetrap"

Not a BRS member. Considered joining but on balance decided not to because I just cannot see the benefits apart from some discounts (Which can often be obtained by just asking) and maybe a few functions each year. I also find it somewhat strange that whilst the website can be accessed, if you are not a member then some areas of the website are not accessible. No idea why this is because after all if you are trying to promote an organisation then surely you should be open and honest with those seeking to join.

Enough of that rambling. Re the latest in the papers, cannot get to excited about it all. If everyone has to register fine with me. Does it say that all those over 60 will be subject to some residency/temp residency charges, I don’t think it does. It may well help and clarify things so as to avoid the questions in the future. Then again this is North Cyprus so possibly not.

In the words of Elvis.......Suspicious Minds.

waddo wrote:Mowgli597,

I am having a really "Thick" day - not unusual some would say - so sorry, still can't get the joke but hey ho! Apologies to you for my post if it annoyed you please forgive. Even having read again and RR's post as well it just won't click with me.

No Waddo, ‘Tis I who should be apologising. No offence was taken on my behalf and none was intended. I was simply trying to imply that your comment regarding a new TRNC government coming along and changing things was a mirror image of the farce we’re seeing in the U.K. at the minute.

waddo wrote:To my mind the whole "new" process being put in place by the TRNC Government is a better late than never system, that at least is being given some thought before it is brought about. In the end we are all foreign immigrants in this country and should be treated as such and abide by the rules and laws of the TRNC - or leave. I remain irritated by the BRS, who at best represent a minority of people, when they attempt to change the workings of a country in which they are guests - that's my stance anyway.

Again I would agree. Why should over 60s be treated differently from other immigrants? Is it part of the same mentality that sees British people as “expats” wherever they are in the world, rather than immigrants which they’re happy to consider other foreign residents to be? So we have a British Residents Society and a generic Foreign Residents Society. We even have discrimination when it comes to burying people - a British Cemetery Committee and another for all those Johnny Foreigners!

The Tfr is made of 19 different nationalities . It cost 60 to a year and they meet Wednesday in sultans at catalkoy and Friday in sea point lapta a friendly no officious bunch. They have many trips and meets a nice Xmas do and usually a trip abroad each year. Just pop along introduce yourself to Horst or indeed anyone you are most welcome..

The Foreign Residents Association was founded to my memory because the BRS would only accept British Passport Holders (even non British spouses were only accorded Associate Membership after considerable arguement). At that time Germans were the third largest expat population (after Mainland Turkish and British in that order) and felt that their separate interests needed representation - although they do include all Nationalities including Brits. But the problem at the moment is some of us who are British feel that the BRS is not looking after our interests. If I dare mentioned the B word, tomorrow may tell whether British interests will differ even more from the rest of Europe!

My impression is (but it is an impression and I would be happy to be corrected ) that the FRS does not in fact represent anyone in their problems with the TRNC government, but is acting solely as a social club.

AS far as the British Cemetary Committee is concerned my impression was that lack of space, not racism, was the main problem. The space allocated to British burials in the old Greek Cemetary in Girne does in fact include an area for other nationalities - a German friend of mine is burried there but there is no more room.

My wife and I were told that as we were 'swallows' we couldn't join the BRS.

I think people on here who are making comments about the BRS are maybe no longer qualified to do so. People who have not been members for many years... past experience cannot be relied on. If you do not know the up to date position of the BRS you should not have an opinion. The BRS has had many changes over the past couple of years , new committee members, new focus, and what they are trying to achieve is clarification, what is wrong with that? As far as I can see there is no mention in the article about residency for over 60’s, but registration.... having read recently about concerns in the south that they really have no accuracy around the population, maybe it is the same thing. Maybe it is just that there needs to be some kind of understanding as to how many people actually reside here. I really think this is a non issue at the moment. And don’t blame the BRS for trying to get clarification and/or a legal agreement over a gentlemen’s agreement.